Supportive Care for Cancer Patients

Chiropractic Services Can Aid Those Undergoing Cancer Treatment

12/04/2009

The experience of a cancer diagnosis and related treatment can be a traumatic one for both the mind and body. Certain aggressive malignancies, including mesothelioma cancer, are extremely difficult to treat and will often require incredibly toxic dosages of either chemotherapy or radiation to effectively eradicate malignant cells. These treatments put the body through a great of stress, pain, and illness. Therefore, some of the most important treatments utilized by patients during cancer care will be those that effectively alleviate cancer-related pain and discomfort.

Integrative oncology emphasizes the use of doctor-recommended complementary or alternative therapies in conjunction with traditional therapies. Often, patients who are healthy enough to manage the pain and discomfort are those who emerge from treatment with the most favorable results. The ability to manage these symptoms then becomes directly correlated to the efficacy of the overall treatment regimen.

Chiropractic care is one emerging area in which patients have introduced into formal and traditional treatment regimens. Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common symptoms of malignant cell growth as well as radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Chiropractic care has been shown effective in some exploratory clinical trials as a pain management tool. Other services by many chiropractic care providers, such as acupuncture and massage have also assisted in providing and easing of anxiety and decreased pain for those undergoing cancer treatments.

Chiropractic care is not appropriate for all cancer patients, particularly those with whom the introduction of additional stress on the body may be detrimental, or those who are not healthy enough to undergo treatment. Patients are urged to speak with their primary oncologist before commencing any integrative or alternative cancer therapy. Ability to participate in such therapies will depend on any other number of specific patient conditions. However, all patients are encouraged to explore any therapy which improves overall health and quality of life.